Aston Villa: Family divided as Gareth Barry faces boyhood heroes Tottenham

Mar 14 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

Gary Lineker’s two goals would then sandwich an Alan Smith consolation for the Cup favourites and Tottenham went on to beat Nottingham Forest in the final a month later.

“With me living down south when I was younger, the thing was to support a London club. Spurs was the one that two of my older brothers supported, so I followed their lead,” Barry says.

“I loved the exciting times at Spurs when Gazza and Gary Lineker were at the top of their game. They were two of the biggest names in the English game at the time and they were both plying their trade at White Hart Lane.

“The FA Cup semi-final of 1991 was a game that definitely stands out in my memory. Paul Gascoigne’s free-kick was sensational and the game itself was superb. They weren’t expected to beat Arsenal so to get them off to a cracking start with that goal was great.

“The only disappointment was the injury to Gazza in the final. It was an FA Cup win for the club though, so that was the main thing.

“I still have family and friends who support Spurs. My brothers will definitely be up for the game (tomorrow) – although I hope they will show loyalty to family!”

Barry finally netted his 50th career goal for Villa with his late penalty at home to Arsenal on Boxing Day, adding to it with another fine penalty in the win at Sunderland in mid-January.

But his late equaliser against Tottenham remains his personal favourite.

“The goal in question was definitely the best one I have scored for Villa. I can’t remember too many as good as that,” he said.